News
BYRON REVIEW: Government to ‘act immediately’
Neil Long Mar 27 2008, 10:59am
Comments (7)
Ed Balls and Andy Burnham welcome proposals; Government departments to work with industry, schools and families
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham have backed the suggestions in the Byron review – and have pledged to ‘act immediately on taking forward her proposals.’
“I am grateful to Dr Byron for carrying out this review and the recommendations show a convincing analysis of how we can properly manage risk in a fast paced, fast changing new media environment," said Department for Culture, Media and Sport figurehead Ed Balls.
“Children and young people often know more about the latest developments in new technology and video games than adults do. Dr Byron’s recommendations will help parents to recognise risks and judge what is appropriate, such as bringing the 12+ rating on video games in line with film age classification.
“This important issue remains a priority for Government and a UK Council on Child Internet Safety, established by and reporting to the Prime Minister will lead on a national strategy for improving child internet safety.”
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Andy Burnham added: “As Dr Byron points out, parents of my generation, who grew up in a purely analogue world, face real challenges in understanding the new media world.
“This is a landmark report, setting out clearly for the first time how we can make sure that children can enjoy the benefits of new technology, while being protected from inappropriate material. There is no question that children can benefit greatly from the digital world, but there are real risks that must be managed.
“We can all - the Government, parents and the industry - play a part in reducing that risk and Dr Byron has set out a clear plan of action.
“I am committed to working with the internet and games industries to build on existing safeguards. Specifically, we will consult on a more coherent classification system for video games. We want to empower young people and allow them to enjoy the educational, social and entertainment potential of the digital age.
“Dr Byron has shown how direct engagement with children and parents can illuminate the issues and reveal the best ways of making a real difference to our lives.”
- Previous Article: BYRON REVIEW: Byron & Brown on the GMTV Sofa
- Next Article: Haze release date scuppered again
Hot Topics
- Daily Mail takes another potshot at games
Comments (37)
- 360 outselling PS3 in GTA software 'battle'
Comments (22)
- Hirai: 'We’re not competing with Microsoft or Nintendo'
Comments (16)
- PLAYSTATION DAY ’08: PS3 cruises past 10m sales
Comments (14)
- PLAYSTATION DAY ’08: PS3 outselling 360, says Reeves
Comments (13)
Comments
“BBFC Discrepancies”
Posted by: Dave - Mar 27, 11:18am
So what is going to happen when people find out that in some cases the BBFC ratings were actually LOWER than the PEGI ratings on the same game?
Still no blame on parents, for not being able to take in and understand a bold number stating the recommended age - but instead blame the ratings, even though these 12+ ratings are ALREADY in use.
“Re: BBFC Discrepancies”
Posted by: Wavy - Mar 27, 11:24am
Just one question... How does someone prove they are 12? I know cinema's do it, but how do they?
“Re: BBFC Discrepancies”
Posted by: JD - Mar 27, 11:33am
@Wavy
ID like for evrything else! No ID no sale!
“Re: BBFC Discrepancies”
Posted by: Goblin - Mar 27, 11:34am
Children can already buy violent films, not much you can do about that is there now?
“Re: BBFC Discrepancies”
Posted: Mar 27, 1:50pm
i am sick of this goverment wasting money on reviews....i have known for YEARS what this Dr Bryon has said....anyone with half a brain has! she has said NOTHING new and only said what we all know...and, as usual, nowhere near enough emphasis has been put on the irresponsible BAD parents who give little 12 year old timmy the latest rated 18 resident evil game etc. (as evident on todays ITV news)-it's because of crap parents like this that this country is spiralling out of control!
“Byron Review - Cyber-Bullying”
Posted by: Tony Holmes - Mar 27, 4:00pm
While inappropriate material and outside contact are causes for concern, Cyber-bullying amongst youngsters is the stand out issue.
Young people need a solution to report, handle and prevent bullying from occurring. The government needs to address this issue as quickly as possible.
Beatbullying is working with the industry to deliver the Cybermentors programme - an adaptation of Beatbullying’s proven prevention model, which will train young people as Cybermentors to help and support other young people who are victims of bullying via online platforms.
Young people can then take responsibility for bullying and have the power to take action but the government needs to support and invest in the solution that is Cybermentors.
~ Tony Holmes, Beatbullying – www.beatbullying.org
“Re: Byron Review”
Posted by: Brooks - Mar 28, 3:03am
The goverment PR machine seems to be in full swing. Shame they can't say anything intelligent.